The Olive Branch for Children Chap Chap Medicine Delivery program connects patients in remote communities living with chronic diseases to specialist doctors for initial assessments and then provides ongoing support, care, and medications. TOBFC covers the doctors’ visits, medical tests and prescriptions.

 

This program provides individuals living with epilepsy, mental health issues and diabetes with lifesaving and life-changing medical care, including the ongoing delivery of medications. We connect our clients to psychiatrists and diabetes specialists by bringing these experts to the under-served rural communities in our catchment area.

 

Dr. Mgeni is one of the doctors who works with TOBFC Chap Chap Medicine Delivery to care for patients. He is a psychiatrist based out of the zonal hospital in Mbeya. Once patients have received an assessment by a specialist doctor, we fill and deliver their prescriptions. Even if patients managed to travel to receive an initial assessment and medications, they would not likely be monitored or be able to access further medication because their villages are too isolated. We ensure patients receive regular follow-up care so they remain stable and that prescriptions are up to date and regularly delivered.

 

Qualified patients are referred by the government social welfare office to our staff social workers, who also assess patients to ensure they meet our eligibility criteria. The patients registered in our free program have an annual income of less than C$200.

 

At the beginning of 2024 this program served 50 people, but the need is much greater. Through a generous donation, TOBFC plans to expand this program doubling the impact by helping 100 patients by the end of this year. This program is another example of how TOBFC helps remote communities by delivering mobile services to where they are needed most.  ​​​